TWO BRANCH LINE ENGINES
Everyone enjoyed Ivan's company. He was a friendly engine and Percy especially loved his tales of the big city port of Kirkronan. His manager had agreed to let him stay on Sir Topham Hatt's Railway to rest after his accident, much to Percy's delight. However, despite the arrival of friendly new face, the atmosphere on Thomas' branch line was oddly different.
Percy rolled out of the shed the next morning and set off for the mainline. He was needed to arrange trucks at the goods yard. He had just left the yard when he spotted Thomas, puffed backwards towards the carriage shed to collect Annie and Clarabel.
"Thomas", he tooted happily, "I'm so glad that your home!"
"What were you thinking?", snapped Thomas unexpectedly, "You could have landed yourself in great danger!"
Percy was speechless - "What do you mean?", he spoke, his voice trembling with distant sorrow.
"Leaving without a driver, or a fireman!", Thomas continued crossly, "Every responsible engine knows that to go out alone is beyond dangerous. Look at what happened to me when I went out without a crew!".
He rolled hotly away, still fuming under his breath. Percy remained speechless, as he was taken by an off discomfort inside. Just then, Ivan rolled up alongside - "Good morning Percy", he said cheerfully, but he soon saw from Percy's expression that there was very little to be cheerful about - "Is something that matter?"
"I don't understand it", Percy sobbed, "Thomas has been so cold all of a sudden. I've looked after his coaches, taken his passengers and run his branch line for him whilst he was away, and all he can do is shout at me".
"Come on fella", soothed his driver, "Maybe some work will help you forget your troubles" - and with that, Percy rolled slowly out of the yard and disappeared. Ivan watched him with concern. Thomas came by moments later with Annie and Clarabel. He was looking forward to taking them for a nice long run.
"That silly little engine has caused me too many problems", he grunted hotly, "I'm sure that this branch line would much more reliable without him"
"Are you sure there is reason to be so harsh?", asked Ivan, "Percy did take care of your branch line whilst you were away. And look how pleased your manager was"
"He told me everything last night", fumed Thomas, "Percy left the milk behind! And he couldn't control his train! I was right all along! He isn't fit to run a branch line on his own!" "You know, from the sounds of it", chuckled Ivan, "The two of you are closer then you think. They say", he continued, "That if a pair argue often, it shows that they are actually closer friends. Maybe even best friends".
"Rubbish!", Thomas snapped coldly. This was followed by a long silent. An odd was feeling stirring within Thomas' heart, but he was finding it difficult to hide. Annie and Clarabel knew exactly what it was and exchanged smiles. Soon, the blue tank engine spoke - "I'm sorry Ivan", he said, the harshness of his voice now absent, "I must go. I'll see you at the opening ceremony".
And with haste he fled. Ivan watched with content before setting off to collect his coal and water.
*
That afternoon, Sir Topham Hatt stood on the platform of Knapford station, looking up towards the mainline. James had just steamed in with an important train of visitors, all of whom had come to attend the grand opening of the new station on Thomas' branch line. At that moment, Thomas rolled up with Annie and Clarabel. He had just taken them for a long and energetic run. But as he rolled into Elsbridge, he had felt extremely uncomfortable when he had overheard one little boy say - "Where's the little green engine daddy?". To this, the boy's father had replied - "He's gone away. Thomas is home again now". It was then that Thomas knew what the odd feeling was.
"Hello Thomas", smiled the Fat Controller, turning to the little blue tank engine as his passengers filed out of Annie and Clarabel, "You must be glad to be home. It is lucky that you made it back in time for the opening also. It would have been a shame if you had missed it".
"Indeed sir", sighed Thomas absently.
"And Percy has done a splendid job of keeping things in order", continued the good manager, "Have you thanked him yet?".
Thomas couldn't hold himself back any further - "Sir. Is it true what Ivan says? That the more a pair argue, the closer they are as friends?"
The Fat Controller chuckled and clasped his arms behind his back - "Indeed it is Thomas. Friendship is a valued thing to everyone, but not all of our friendships can be pure. Arguments are a natural thing, and it happens to most friendships, even a pair who are the best of friends. But I will tell you something...it is only the best of friends who will forgive each other".
"Really sir?", asked Thomas with enthusiasm.
"Indeed", smiled the Fat Controller, "As a matter of fact, I know a pair of engines who are a typical, if not excellent, example of a friendship to be valued above all others. But even they have had their arguments over the years". "Please sir", Thomas pleaded, "Who might those engines be?"
"I am not liable to say", smiled the good manager, turning away, "But I suggest that you look hard next time you are on your branch line".
At that moment, Daisy glided smoothly into the station and came to rest at the platform where the passengers heading for the branch line had gathered. She was glad to be coming home again, having spent the last few weeks on the mainline. But she was even more delighted to see Thomas again - "I've never been more excited", she hummed as her passengers boarded, buzzing with equal enthusiasm, "You won't be late will you Thomas?"
"Certainly not", smiled Thomas, "But first, there is something I must do. Daisy, have you seen Percy anywhere?"
"The last I saw him", Daisy pondered, "He was shunting at the mainline goods yard near the harbour..."
But before she could finish her sentence, Thomas had puffed hurriedly away.
*
James, Henry and Sodor Castle sat in the sheds, deep in conversation as Thomas rolled past.
"He looked awfully upset", Sodor Castle whispered the other two, "One can only take pity on the poor engine".
"I tried to see if he was alright", added Henry, "But he wouldn't say a word. He just went about shunting trucks...like a ghost".
Thomas knew exactly who they were talking about, but he had not been paying attention to the track ahead and bumped into a line of coaches outside the shed. The three big engines looked up.
"What are you doing back here again Thomas?", asked James. For you see, Thomas has spent the night on the mainline. He replied rather swiftly, not caring about his embarrassing entrance - "I'm looking for Percy", he said quickly, "Daisy said he would be here".
"Indeed", replied Sodor Castle, "He's shunting in the goods yard. But I would suggest trying another time. He doesn't seem himself at late" - These words struck Thomas with guilt once again. Annie and Clarabel could sense this - "Just as we thought! Just as we thought", they sang to themselves, as Thomas bustled hastily away.
*
Sure enough, Percy sat on the quay, having spent the afternoon shunting in the goods yard. He had went about his work in silence, which concerned his driver and fireman. They suggested that they returned to the branch line for the opening ceremony - "That's alright", the little saddle tank engine had said, "I'll stay here until everything blows over".
Evening drew on and the sky slowly turned an beautiful orange. It was a lovely end to a hard days work, but Percy was still upset. He looked out to sea as a tramp steamer set sail for England with a large supply of coal. He wished that he could be on that tramper too - "Anywhere would be better then here", he thought sadly to himself.
Just then, Thomas steamed around the corner, panting furiously. He rolled up alongside Percy, almost over-running him - "Percy!", he panted, "What are you doing here? The opening ceremony of the new station will be starting soon!"
"I'll stay here", Percy murmured sadly, "I don't want to get in your way".
Thomas swallowed hard before speaking - "Listen Percy", he said, looking out at the tramp steamer on the horizon, "I came here to apologize. I've been acting terribly recently. Please forgive me".
Percy looked up in surprise as his friend continued - "I was wrong to put you down. I realize now that you were only looking out for my safety yesterday. It was wrong of me to be anger at you - But there's something else I've forgotten to mention..."
"What's that?", asked Percy softly.
"Thank you for looking after my line. You really are a branch line engine".
It took a moment for Percy to realize what was happening. And for the first time since that morning, a broad smile broke across his solemn face - "I did make a few mistakes though", he whispered.
"Everyone makes mistakes", smiled Thomas, "I couldn't make it up the hill once, remember? When I tried to help Henry up and I couldn't even make it half way" - Percy's smile turned to a giggle as he remembered Thomas re- telling his story at Sir Topham Hatt's 50th Anniversary - "And what about when I ran out of the shed and paid the station-master an unexpected visit?".
Before long, the two engines were reminiscing the past, laughing and joking as all good friends do. But it wasn't long before both their drivers and fireman came running over to them frantically. "We can't stay here and chat all night fellas!", they cried, "The opening of the new station is drawing closer!"
"Oh no!", squeaked Percy, "We couldn't miss it for anything! All that hard work would have gone to waste!"
"Not on my branch line!", puffed Thomas with determination, "Come on Percy. There is still time!"
Percy buffered up in front and together they double-headed the small train back towards Ffarqhar. The three big engines watched as they raced swiftly past.
"It's nice to see them smiling again", chuckled Henry.
The two engines had just reached Knapford when the station master quickly flagged them down - "Bother!", hissed Thomas, "Now we're sure to be late!". But they soon found out that that was not the case, as the station master quickly spoke to their drivers and fireman. A single man stood beside Edward, looking rather timid.
"This man is a very important visitor", whispered Edward from across the way, "We had a small delay on the way here and Daisy left before he could board!" - Thomas and Percy exchanged anxious looks. Just then, the station master turned to them.
"This gentleman needs our help", he explained, "He has been invited by the Fat Controller to attend the opening ceremony. He's going to cut the rope but Daisy has already left".
The tall, young man stepped forwards, dressed smartly. He had a note-book tucked under his arm and a camera. Percy squeaked excitedly - "That's the railway enthusiast from London!", he whispered discreetly to Thomas, "He works for a railway magazine! He writes stories about us, just like the Thin Clergyman and his son used to. Ivan told me that he used to go down to Kirkronan all the time and wrote about him and his friends in books!". Thomas was impressed.
"Would either of you mind if I could ride with you?", asked the man timidly, "It would be a shame if we were late. Though I would feel terrible if you missed the opening because of me".
"Fear not sir", said Thomas proudly, "Climb aboard! Percy and I will get you there in no time".
The man thanked them gratefully and quickly boarded Clarabel with the guard. A glance in at the station clock told them that time was ticking away fast. And then, with unison blasts of this whistles, the two branch line engines set off once again with their important passenger.
*
The new station was packed with locals, visitors and the gentlemen of the railway board, who stood with Sir Topham Hatt on the platform. It's hanging baskets rocked silently in the wind and it's beautifully swept walkways hadn't a spec of dust. The goods yards nearbye was clear and tidy, thanks to Toby, and the new goods shed stood proud and tall behind the station building, which was topped with two tall brick chimneys.
Toby, Ivan, Duck, Daisy, Mavis and Lucky stood nearbye, waiting with just as much excitement as those on the platform, who buzzed around the Refreshment Lady's stand. But she was having troubling shooing them away - "Not until the naming ceremony dears! We need enough champagne for the toasting!".
Flourish was in the air, but Sir Topham Hatt was anxious. The visitor had not arrived, nor had Thomas and Percy. He glanced at up and down the line and paced back and forth repeatedly - "An important event in our railway calendar will go to waste if those two aren't here soon", he muttered. The gentlemen of the railway board didn't seem very impressed either, exchanging hushed comments that certainly weren't positive.
Suddenly, everyone turned as a pair of familiar whistles sounded in the distance. Sir Topham Hatt looked up with a broad smile of relief, as accompanied by a chorus of cheers, whistles and horns, Percy and Thomas puffed slowly into the new station, coming to rest at the buffers.
"You made it just in time", called Toby.
"Excellent team work!", added Ivan.
Percy and Thomas looked down modestly, their cheeks blushing bright pink as the special visitor stepped down from Clarabel and instantly approached Sir Topham Hatt, taking his hand firmly and shaking it - "Sir", he said with praise, "I must say. You have a fine pair of locomotives here. They make a brilliant team".
"Indeed", smiled the good manager, "Our Thomas and our Percy are the pride of the branch line".
And so the celebrations began, as Sir Topham Hatt introduced the railway enthusiast to the railway board, to his wife, and also to Toby and Duck. He had already met Daisy, Mavis and Lucky (he had written a book about them previously) and he was most surprised to see Ivan there too, of whom he had a very long chat with as the celebrations continued. All the while, Thomas and Percy sat patiently, waiting for the naming ceremony. When the station clock finally struck nine, the night had drawn on, revealing a display of beautiful stars that shone across the Sodor sky. The celebrations were now under the soft light of the station lamp posts and Sir Topham Hatt climbs onto Percy's front, accompanied by the railway enthusiast. He had to use a megaphone to get everyone's attention.
"Ladies, Gentleman and Engines", he said, "The time has finally come to reveal the name of this new station".
This was met with yet another chorus of cheers, as the visitor stepped forwards to a metal sign that stood on the platform, covered by a curtain. On the count of three (sung by all the guests and engines), he pulled it away - "I announce this station...New Ffarqhar!".
The men of the railway board had to quickly cover their ears to lessen the amount of noise that erupted following this valued moment.
Once it had died down, and everyone had toasted one another with their champagne glasses, Sir Topham Hatt turned to Thomas - "Now Thomas", he said, "As this is your branch line, we have decided to leave you with this decision. An engine will be needed to pilot this new station and the goods yard. Would you like to be that engine?"
Thomas paused for a moment in deep thought. Percy watched him anxiously as Toby and Ivan exchanged content grins. They knew who Thomas would choose, and they knew that it would be the right choice.
"Sir", he said softly, "I would like Percy to be in charge of New Ffarqhar. He has looked after my branch line whilst I was away. But not only that, he has been my very best friend for years. He deserves it much more then I do".
Percy was speechless.
"Then it's settled", said the railway enthusiast, placing a hand on Percy's saddle tank, "Percy is the pilot of New Ffarqhar. I'm certain that he will do you very proud Sir Topham Hatt" - the good manager smiled modestly - "But above all, I'm certain that he will do you much prouder Thomas".
"Sir, I couldn't possibly..."
But it was no use, as Thomas, Ivan and Toby led the chorus, accompanied by all the people and engines present. The roof of New Ffarqhar station may have certainly lifted directly off as the celebrations reached new heights.
"Three Cheers For Percy...The Branch Line Engine!"
****
Everyone enjoyed Ivan's company. He was a friendly engine and Percy especially loved his tales of the big city port of Kirkronan. His manager had agreed to let him stay on Sir Topham Hatt's Railway to rest after his accident, much to Percy's delight. However, despite the arrival of friendly new face, the atmosphere on Thomas' branch line was oddly different.
Percy rolled out of the shed the next morning and set off for the mainline. He was needed to arrange trucks at the goods yard. He had just left the yard when he spotted Thomas, puffed backwards towards the carriage shed to collect Annie and Clarabel.
"Thomas", he tooted happily, "I'm so glad that your home!"
"What were you thinking?", snapped Thomas unexpectedly, "You could have landed yourself in great danger!"
Percy was speechless - "What do you mean?", he spoke, his voice trembling with distant sorrow.
"Leaving without a driver, or a fireman!", Thomas continued crossly, "Every responsible engine knows that to go out alone is beyond dangerous. Look at what happened to me when I went out without a crew!".
He rolled hotly away, still fuming under his breath. Percy remained speechless, as he was taken by an off discomfort inside. Just then, Ivan rolled up alongside - "Good morning Percy", he said cheerfully, but he soon saw from Percy's expression that there was very little to be cheerful about - "Is something that matter?"
"I don't understand it", Percy sobbed, "Thomas has been so cold all of a sudden. I've looked after his coaches, taken his passengers and run his branch line for him whilst he was away, and all he can do is shout at me".
"Come on fella", soothed his driver, "Maybe some work will help you forget your troubles" - and with that, Percy rolled slowly out of the yard and disappeared. Ivan watched him with concern. Thomas came by moments later with Annie and Clarabel. He was looking forward to taking them for a nice long run.
"That silly little engine has caused me too many problems", he grunted hotly, "I'm sure that this branch line would much more reliable without him"
"Are you sure there is reason to be so harsh?", asked Ivan, "Percy did take care of your branch line whilst you were away. And look how pleased your manager was"
"He told me everything last night", fumed Thomas, "Percy left the milk behind! And he couldn't control his train! I was right all along! He isn't fit to run a branch line on his own!" "You know, from the sounds of it", chuckled Ivan, "The two of you are closer then you think. They say", he continued, "That if a pair argue often, it shows that they are actually closer friends. Maybe even best friends".
"Rubbish!", Thomas snapped coldly. This was followed by a long silent. An odd was feeling stirring within Thomas' heart, but he was finding it difficult to hide. Annie and Clarabel knew exactly what it was and exchanged smiles. Soon, the blue tank engine spoke - "I'm sorry Ivan", he said, the harshness of his voice now absent, "I must go. I'll see you at the opening ceremony".
And with haste he fled. Ivan watched with content before setting off to collect his coal and water.
*
That afternoon, Sir Topham Hatt stood on the platform of Knapford station, looking up towards the mainline. James had just steamed in with an important train of visitors, all of whom had come to attend the grand opening of the new station on Thomas' branch line. At that moment, Thomas rolled up with Annie and Clarabel. He had just taken them for a long and energetic run. But as he rolled into Elsbridge, he had felt extremely uncomfortable when he had overheard one little boy say - "Where's the little green engine daddy?". To this, the boy's father had replied - "He's gone away. Thomas is home again now". It was then that Thomas knew what the odd feeling was.
"Hello Thomas", smiled the Fat Controller, turning to the little blue tank engine as his passengers filed out of Annie and Clarabel, "You must be glad to be home. It is lucky that you made it back in time for the opening also. It would have been a shame if you had missed it".
"Indeed sir", sighed Thomas absently.
"And Percy has done a splendid job of keeping things in order", continued the good manager, "Have you thanked him yet?".
Thomas couldn't hold himself back any further - "Sir. Is it true what Ivan says? That the more a pair argue, the closer they are as friends?"
The Fat Controller chuckled and clasped his arms behind his back - "Indeed it is Thomas. Friendship is a valued thing to everyone, but not all of our friendships can be pure. Arguments are a natural thing, and it happens to most friendships, even a pair who are the best of friends. But I will tell you something...it is only the best of friends who will forgive each other".
"Really sir?", asked Thomas with enthusiasm.
"Indeed", smiled the Fat Controller, "As a matter of fact, I know a pair of engines who are a typical, if not excellent, example of a friendship to be valued above all others. But even they have had their arguments over the years". "Please sir", Thomas pleaded, "Who might those engines be?"
"I am not liable to say", smiled the good manager, turning away, "But I suggest that you look hard next time you are on your branch line".
At that moment, Daisy glided smoothly into the station and came to rest at the platform where the passengers heading for the branch line had gathered. She was glad to be coming home again, having spent the last few weeks on the mainline. But she was even more delighted to see Thomas again - "I've never been more excited", she hummed as her passengers boarded, buzzing with equal enthusiasm, "You won't be late will you Thomas?"
"Certainly not", smiled Thomas, "But first, there is something I must do. Daisy, have you seen Percy anywhere?"
"The last I saw him", Daisy pondered, "He was shunting at the mainline goods yard near the harbour..."
But before she could finish her sentence, Thomas had puffed hurriedly away.
*
James, Henry and Sodor Castle sat in the sheds, deep in conversation as Thomas rolled past.
"He looked awfully upset", Sodor Castle whispered the other two, "One can only take pity on the poor engine".
"I tried to see if he was alright", added Henry, "But he wouldn't say a word. He just went about shunting trucks...like a ghost".
Thomas knew exactly who they were talking about, but he had not been paying attention to the track ahead and bumped into a line of coaches outside the shed. The three big engines looked up.
"What are you doing back here again Thomas?", asked James. For you see, Thomas has spent the night on the mainline. He replied rather swiftly, not caring about his embarrassing entrance - "I'm looking for Percy", he said quickly, "Daisy said he would be here".
"Indeed", replied Sodor Castle, "He's shunting in the goods yard. But I would suggest trying another time. He doesn't seem himself at late" - These words struck Thomas with guilt once again. Annie and Clarabel could sense this - "Just as we thought! Just as we thought", they sang to themselves, as Thomas bustled hastily away.
*
Sure enough, Percy sat on the quay, having spent the afternoon shunting in the goods yard. He had went about his work in silence, which concerned his driver and fireman. They suggested that they returned to the branch line for the opening ceremony - "That's alright", the little saddle tank engine had said, "I'll stay here until everything blows over".
Evening drew on and the sky slowly turned an beautiful orange. It was a lovely end to a hard days work, but Percy was still upset. He looked out to sea as a tramp steamer set sail for England with a large supply of coal. He wished that he could be on that tramper too - "Anywhere would be better then here", he thought sadly to himself.
Just then, Thomas steamed around the corner, panting furiously. He rolled up alongside Percy, almost over-running him - "Percy!", he panted, "What are you doing here? The opening ceremony of the new station will be starting soon!"
"I'll stay here", Percy murmured sadly, "I don't want to get in your way".
Thomas swallowed hard before speaking - "Listen Percy", he said, looking out at the tramp steamer on the horizon, "I came here to apologize. I've been acting terribly recently. Please forgive me".
Percy looked up in surprise as his friend continued - "I was wrong to put you down. I realize now that you were only looking out for my safety yesterday. It was wrong of me to be anger at you - But there's something else I've forgotten to mention..."
"What's that?", asked Percy softly.
"Thank you for looking after my line. You really are a branch line engine".
It took a moment for Percy to realize what was happening. And for the first time since that morning, a broad smile broke across his solemn face - "I did make a few mistakes though", he whispered.
"Everyone makes mistakes", smiled Thomas, "I couldn't make it up the hill once, remember? When I tried to help Henry up and I couldn't even make it half way" - Percy's smile turned to a giggle as he remembered Thomas re- telling his story at Sir Topham Hatt's 50th Anniversary - "And what about when I ran out of the shed and paid the station-master an unexpected visit?".
Before long, the two engines were reminiscing the past, laughing and joking as all good friends do. But it wasn't long before both their drivers and fireman came running over to them frantically. "We can't stay here and chat all night fellas!", they cried, "The opening of the new station is drawing closer!"
"Oh no!", squeaked Percy, "We couldn't miss it for anything! All that hard work would have gone to waste!"
"Not on my branch line!", puffed Thomas with determination, "Come on Percy. There is still time!"
Percy buffered up in front and together they double-headed the small train back towards Ffarqhar. The three big engines watched as they raced swiftly past.
"It's nice to see them smiling again", chuckled Henry.
The two engines had just reached Knapford when the station master quickly flagged them down - "Bother!", hissed Thomas, "Now we're sure to be late!". But they soon found out that that was not the case, as the station master quickly spoke to their drivers and fireman. A single man stood beside Edward, looking rather timid.
"This man is a very important visitor", whispered Edward from across the way, "We had a small delay on the way here and Daisy left before he could board!" - Thomas and Percy exchanged anxious looks. Just then, the station master turned to them.
"This gentleman needs our help", he explained, "He has been invited by the Fat Controller to attend the opening ceremony. He's going to cut the rope but Daisy has already left".
The tall, young man stepped forwards, dressed smartly. He had a note-book tucked under his arm and a camera. Percy squeaked excitedly - "That's the railway enthusiast from London!", he whispered discreetly to Thomas, "He works for a railway magazine! He writes stories about us, just like the Thin Clergyman and his son used to. Ivan told me that he used to go down to Kirkronan all the time and wrote about him and his friends in books!". Thomas was impressed.
"Would either of you mind if I could ride with you?", asked the man timidly, "It would be a shame if we were late. Though I would feel terrible if you missed the opening because of me".
"Fear not sir", said Thomas proudly, "Climb aboard! Percy and I will get you there in no time".
The man thanked them gratefully and quickly boarded Clarabel with the guard. A glance in at the station clock told them that time was ticking away fast. And then, with unison blasts of this whistles, the two branch line engines set off once again with their important passenger.
*
The new station was packed with locals, visitors and the gentlemen of the railway board, who stood with Sir Topham Hatt on the platform. It's hanging baskets rocked silently in the wind and it's beautifully swept walkways hadn't a spec of dust. The goods yards nearbye was clear and tidy, thanks to Toby, and the new goods shed stood proud and tall behind the station building, which was topped with two tall brick chimneys.
Toby, Ivan, Duck, Daisy, Mavis and Lucky stood nearbye, waiting with just as much excitement as those on the platform, who buzzed around the Refreshment Lady's stand. But she was having troubling shooing them away - "Not until the naming ceremony dears! We need enough champagne for the toasting!".
Flourish was in the air, but Sir Topham Hatt was anxious. The visitor had not arrived, nor had Thomas and Percy. He glanced at up and down the line and paced back and forth repeatedly - "An important event in our railway calendar will go to waste if those two aren't here soon", he muttered. The gentlemen of the railway board didn't seem very impressed either, exchanging hushed comments that certainly weren't positive.
Suddenly, everyone turned as a pair of familiar whistles sounded in the distance. Sir Topham Hatt looked up with a broad smile of relief, as accompanied by a chorus of cheers, whistles and horns, Percy and Thomas puffed slowly into the new station, coming to rest at the buffers.
"You made it just in time", called Toby.
"Excellent team work!", added Ivan.
Percy and Thomas looked down modestly, their cheeks blushing bright pink as the special visitor stepped down from Clarabel and instantly approached Sir Topham Hatt, taking his hand firmly and shaking it - "Sir", he said with praise, "I must say. You have a fine pair of locomotives here. They make a brilliant team".
"Indeed", smiled the good manager, "Our Thomas and our Percy are the pride of the branch line".
And so the celebrations began, as Sir Topham Hatt introduced the railway enthusiast to the railway board, to his wife, and also to Toby and Duck. He had already met Daisy, Mavis and Lucky (he had written a book about them previously) and he was most surprised to see Ivan there too, of whom he had a very long chat with as the celebrations continued. All the while, Thomas and Percy sat patiently, waiting for the naming ceremony. When the station clock finally struck nine, the night had drawn on, revealing a display of beautiful stars that shone across the Sodor sky. The celebrations were now under the soft light of the station lamp posts and Sir Topham Hatt climbs onto Percy's front, accompanied by the railway enthusiast. He had to use a megaphone to get everyone's attention.
"Ladies, Gentleman and Engines", he said, "The time has finally come to reveal the name of this new station".
This was met with yet another chorus of cheers, as the visitor stepped forwards to a metal sign that stood on the platform, covered by a curtain. On the count of three (sung by all the guests and engines), he pulled it away - "I announce this station...New Ffarqhar!".
The men of the railway board had to quickly cover their ears to lessen the amount of noise that erupted following this valued moment.
Once it had died down, and everyone had toasted one another with their champagne glasses, Sir Topham Hatt turned to Thomas - "Now Thomas", he said, "As this is your branch line, we have decided to leave you with this decision. An engine will be needed to pilot this new station and the goods yard. Would you like to be that engine?"
Thomas paused for a moment in deep thought. Percy watched him anxiously as Toby and Ivan exchanged content grins. They knew who Thomas would choose, and they knew that it would be the right choice.
"Sir", he said softly, "I would like Percy to be in charge of New Ffarqhar. He has looked after my branch line whilst I was away. But not only that, he has been my very best friend for years. He deserves it much more then I do".
Percy was speechless.
"Then it's settled", said the railway enthusiast, placing a hand on Percy's saddle tank, "Percy is the pilot of New Ffarqhar. I'm certain that he will do you very proud Sir Topham Hatt" - the good manager smiled modestly - "But above all, I'm certain that he will do you much prouder Thomas".
"Sir, I couldn't possibly..."
But it was no use, as Thomas, Ivan and Toby led the chorus, accompanied by all the people and engines present. The roof of New Ffarqhar station may have certainly lifted directly off as the celebrations reached new heights.
"Three Cheers For Percy...The Branch Line Engine!"
****
